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No Joke, Saints Sign Another Former Player, Pitcher Matt Meyer

ST. PAUL, MNApril 1, 2013

ST. PAUL, MN (April 1, 2013) – He was perhaps the most dominant relief pitcher to ever take the mound for the St. Paul Saints. Left-hander Matt Meyer made plenty of American Association hitters look foolish in 2010 and manager George Tsamis is hoping he can do it once again in 2013.

The 28-year-old Meyer had a season unlike any other when he joined the Saints on June 25, 2010. He went 3-0 with a 0.00 ERA and nine saves in 18 appearances. In 21.1 innings pitched he allowed just six hits while walking eight and striking out 42 while opponents hit a microscopic .082 against him. At the time his 21.1 consecutive scoreless innings were a franchise record. It was topped the next season by Caleb Thielbar, currently at Triple-A Rochester for the Minnesota Twins, who tossed 29.2 consecutive scoreless innings. Those eye-popping numbers made the Angels take notice and on August 17 they purchased his contract from the Saints and placed him at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. He finished up the season there going 1-0 with a 4.32 ERA and one save in seven games. In 8.1 innings pitched he didn’t walk a hitter and struck out 12.

In 2011 he was invited to Big League Camp during spring training and then began the season at Double-A Arkansas and was tremendous until an injury sidelined him for nearly a month and a half. After doing a rehab stint in the Arizona League he was promoted to Triple-A Salt Lake City. Between the three stops he was incredible going 2-4 with a 2.29 ERA and two saves in 35 relief appearances. In 39.1 innings pitched he walked 25 and struck out 59 while opponents hit a miniscule .165 against him.

Last season Meyer spent all year at Triple-A Salt Lake City where he went 1-2 with a 6.26 ERA in 51 appearances. In 41.2 innings pitched he walked 41 and struck out 38 while opponents hit .291 against him.

Meyer hails from Rochester, MN and went to Mayo High School. He was a 15th round selection by the Cleveland Indians in the 2006 June Amateur Draft out of Boston College. He spent 2006-09 with the Indians organization reaching Triple-A Columbus in 2009. He began the 2010 season with the St. Louis Cardinals organization at Double-A Springfield before being released and signing with the Saints.

During the off-season the Saints have signed 13 players, nine pitchers and four position players. The Saints 2013 season begins on Thursday, May 16 with a 7:05 p.m. home game against the New Jersey Jackals.